. >> tax hikes remain at the center of the stand-off. what is the dividing line between those gets those tax breaks extended and those who do not. they're holding out hope for an 11-hour deal. hardly the first time that washington has pushed things to the edge. >> i actually think there's still a chance to get something done. so, you know, these deals usually come together at the last moment. >> why are you cautiously optimistic when it seems everyone else is saying we're going to go over the cliff? >> well, to paraphrase ronald reagan, there's so much manure around here there has to be a pony around here. no one wants tax hikes on 98% of the american people. >>> the president faces a potential default in the coming months unless the debt ceiling is raised again. a mo >> it's somewhat like taking your child hostage and saying to somebody else i'm going to shoot my child if you don't want done. there's no republican leader that wants to default on our debt that i talked to, that should be nonpartisan. >> congressman, not the best choice o